Santa Clara County, CA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Where banned
- Anywhere in a County Park
- Exception
- Designated enclosed restroom only
- Scope
- Park Property, per § B14-11.1
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Clara County bars urinating or defecating anywhere in a County Park except in an enclosed restroom fixture the Parks Director has designated for that use.
No person shall urinate or defecate in public or in a Park Area except in a urinal, toilet or commode located in a bathroom, restroom, or other structure enclosed from public view and designated by the Director for such purpose.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § B14-32.6 makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate in a County Park except in a urinal, toilet, or commode inside a bathroom, restroom, or other enclosed structure the Director has designated for that purpose. The rule sits in Division B14's general public-conduct chapter, and § B14-11.1 limits the whole Division to Park Property, so this specific citation reaches County Park land in the unincorporated area, not the county at large. Violation falls under the Division's default penalty as an infraction, escalating to a misdemeanor for repeat offenses within a year.
Violations & Fines
An infraction: fines up to $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 for later violations in a year; repeated violations rise to a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination illegal everywhere in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
Where can I legally use the restroom in a Santa Clara County park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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